Editorial: Improving the odds of publication: writing a clear introduction section

Abstract

How do authors get a good start on their research papers while avoiding the more common problems that can harm their chances of publishing in quality academic journals? Writing up solid academic papers (and getting them published) is never easy. Authors face many challenges, from situating the paper in past research and motivating it though theory and calls for more research, to getting and analyzing the data, while providing contributions to the field (Ahlstrom et al., 2013; Datta and Jones, 2018; Lee, 2025). And the extant work about writing and publishing papers in the social sciences does provide helpful guidelines such as aligning your paper with the aims and scope of the journal, writing up the literature review (Aveyard, 2023; Cortes et al., 2024) and entering the research stream at the right place (Christensen and Carlile, 2009). That is, authors should usually avoid redefining well-understood constructs (such as the Big Five personality model, or disruptive innovation) that are widely accepted and probably not in need of significant revamping, especially when more empirical work is needed in those areas as opposed to theory work (Ahlstrom, 2011; Christensen et al., 2018) [1].It is evident that authors should submit their research to the correct research domain and to journals in their area, though some do stumble here (Ahlstrom, 2015b; Konrad, 2008). For example, authors should not submit a paper about spurring and managing economic development to a management journal. Just because a paper has the word “management” in the title does not mean it falls in the general management and organizational domain; such a paper would likely fit more in development economics, for example. Although the economics and business disciplines are related, they are still fairly distinct domains in terms of research. For example, an economist would be interested in why say, the Korean auto industry is more competitive than the British auto industry. But economics would generally not seek to explain why the Hyundai Motor company may be outperforming Jaguar Land Rover, something in which a management researcher would take more interest in (Nelson, 1991). And within the business domain, if a paper is about finance or say, consumer behavior, then it would also likely not be appropriate for a management journal (Ahlstrom, 2011; Baruch, 2016). Similarly, a paper providing a number of “how-to” steps on an operational topic in manufacturing would likely not be appropriate for most mainstream management journals, which generally do not publish such explanatory or training-type papers these days (Ahlstrom, 2010). On the other hand, papers on the performance of employees, teams, group decision-making and individual firms would probably be appropriate for a management or international business journal (Ahlstrom and Wang, 2009; Ahlstrom, 2011; Colquitt and George, 2011), though as noted, would not be right for say, an economics journal, which is more concerned with the performance of industries, firm clusters or national economies, not individuals or firms (Estrin and Bhaumik, 2016; Nelson, 1991) [2].In addition to accurately aligning a paper with the aims and scope of the journal (Ahlstrom, 2011; Baruch, 2016), there are other key factors in successfully writing a publishable research paper (Ahlstrom et al., 2013; Clark et al., 2016; Daft, 1995). These additional factors have also been the subject of past research and are just briefly addressed here (Huff, 1998). For example, manuscripts that lack solid theoretical grounding or exhibit methodological flaws are likely to be rejected by reputable academic journals (Colquitt and Ireland, 2009; Eden, 2008). Fortunately, a variety of resources are available to assist researchers with these essential aspects, both for qualitative (Ahlstrom and Bruton, 2014; Charmaz, 2025; Creswell and Poth, 2017; Van de Ven, 2007) and also quantitative (Cummings and Frost, 1985, 1995; Heppner and Heppner, 2003; Huff, 1998, 2008; Kerlinger, 1995) papers and methodologies. Editors and reviewers for management and international business journals report that they receive many submissions with strong data and analyses, and outright rejections due to incorrect methods or research design are only occasionally necessary. Generally, authors display a solid understanding of research design and methods [3].Less commonly discussed, however, is something that we, and other journal editors, have expressed concern with, and is the focus of the current paper. That is to say, the need for authors to write a clear, organized and impactful introduction, such that the value and contribution of the paper is evident right away (Ahlstrom et al., 2013; Ahlstrom, 2015b; Daft, 1995; Konrad, 2008; Grant and Pollock, 2011). Specifically, numerous papers submitted to journals and other outlets that we have worked on or have otherwise seen (conference papers, book chapters) exhibit problems such as unclear research questions, inadequate positioning within existing literature, insufficient motivation and limited contributions to the relevant field in their introduction sections (Ahlstrom, 2015a, 2017; Lee, 2025). Consequently, lacking clear introductions, these manuscripts are often unfocused in the rest of the paper – presenting mere lists of past literature, suffering from sprawling and disorganized writing, with analyses, though statistically correct, fail to improve existing theories or provide useful findings and actionable evidence (Ahlstrom, 2010; Ahlstrom and Bruton, 2014; Corley, and Gioia, 2011). These problems with the introduction section and particularly the paper’s contributions often lead editors to reject the paper outright without further review (Konrad, 2008), and thus are addressed here to assist authors in writing a strong introduction section for their papers and improving their odds of publication.This improved focus and contribution often begins with the paper’s introduction section, where authors must craft a compelling opening that clarifies the paper’s purpose and contribution to the field (Grant and Pollock, 2011). The introduction should also outline the structure of the paper. This paper aims to synthesize insights from major journals in management and international business, along with other valuable resources, to present guidelines for writing the introduction of empirical papers in these fields. This approach draws on editor commentaries, various writing resources, and an overview of published papers in top management and international business journals, comparing them with some rejected manuscripts. While the focus here is on business research, the principles apply to other empirical studies in the social sciences. To assist authors in enhancing the introduction of a paper, this paper offers examples of certain effective (and less effective) research questions and introductions, as well as strategies for summarizing past research and suggesting approaches to providing summary contributions.Although there is a substantial literature on research methods, design and data analysis (e.g. Cohen and Manion, 1998; Creswell and Poth, 2017; Kerlinger, 1995; Van de Ven, 2007), as noted, mastering research design and methodologies only are not enough for producing publishable papers (Ahlstrom, 2015a; Cummings and Frost, 1985, 1995; Huang, 2007; Huff, 1998, 2008). The guidance presented here is not intended as a strict formula for writing an introduction but rather as a helpful framework (Ahlstrom et al., 2013). Yet applying these insights can assist an author in effectively structuring the paper, clearly situating it within the literature and articulating the contributions to theory, empirical evidence and practice for editors, reviewers and readers (Huff, 1998, 2008; Rynes, 2002). This also aids authors in establishing a coherent paper structure. Thus, this paper contributes to the work the writing process for publication by examining exemplary research from both micro and macro perspectives in management and suggesting useful resources for framing and organizing papers (e.g. Abrahamson, 2008; Ahlstrom, 2010; Ahlstrom et al., 2013; Huff, 1998, 2008). Two articles and lines of research – one from social psychology (Carney et al., 2010; Cuddy, 2012) and one from international business (Meyer et al., 2009) – are examined for illustration purposes.This work also suggests additional practical tips for prospective authors that are often overlooked in the methods or thesis writing literature (Clark et al., 2016; Kilduff, 2007). Insights from content analysis research further inform our discussion on framing, structuring and constructing empirical papers in management and social sciences (Duriau et al., 2007). This can also support editors and reviewers in their assessments and feedback to authors, providing resources to enhance their writing and research design (Ahlstrom, 2017).Many good papers we have reviewed over the years for journals, conferences, workshops and symposia, addressed intriguing topics and presented solid data and analyses. Yet many of these same submissions also struggled with composition and organization, making them difficult to comprehend and diminishing their perceived value, thereby increasing the likelihood of rejection (Ahlstrom, 2010; Konrad, 2008). Echoing this, several editors at the Academy of Management Journal several years ago, emphasized in various editorials the significance of first impressions and the framing of a paper (e.g. Corley and Gioia, 2011; Grant and Pollock, 2011). The introduction section to a paper is very important in terms of the paper’s eventual success as its framing and organization often influences whether readers (and particularly the editor) choose to engage much further on with the paper. As Grant and Pollock (2011, p. 873) remind readers: “…first impressions matter. Although it is typically the shortest section of an article, the introduction (i.e. the opening few pages, before the literature review) determines whether or not readers will continue reading.” Academic real estate (journal space and editor/reviewer time) is scarce. It thus is crucial for authors to start strong in their introductions, and understanding how introductions are structured in leading management and international business journals can be particularly beneficial. A well-crafted introduction also serves as a helpful outline for the rest of the paper. In management and international business manuscripts, as well as in related social science fields, the introduction typically spans 2–3 pages or about 5–7 paragraphs. Below, we discuss common issues related to the introduction and organizational challenges, offering key examples and suggestions for improvement.Good introduction sections need a clear research question (or thesis statement), hopefully at or bear the start. Yet many academic manuscripts struggle to define a clear research question and often lack introductory sections that effectively position and motivate the study (Ahlstrom, 2010; Grant and Pollack, 2011). Lacking a well-articulated research question, papers may lose focus, while wandering aimlessly without addressing a specific inquiry in depth (Ahlstrom, 2010, 2012). This uncertainty can frustrate editors and reviewers, leading them to consider rejection (Grant and Pollack, 2011). Therefore, it is essential for the research question to be clear, compelling and to fill a gap in knowledge, as prior research might not have fully addressed the issue, thereby contributing to the field (Davis, 1971; Liu et al., 2017; Sparrowe and Mayer, 2011).To avoid the pitfalls of an unfocused introduction (and paper), it is recommended that effective papers often present a clear and answerable research question in the first paragraph, ideally in the first sentence of the paper (Belostecinic, 2017; Grant and Pollack, 2011; Peng et al., 2005). A clear research question clearly communicates the paper’s focus while establishing boundaries for potentially complex topics (Ahlstrom, 2015b). This clarity aids editors and reviewers in understanding the paper’s objectives and assessing its contributions to the field. In addition, a focused research question helps authors stay on topic.What then, are clear and direct research questions? A research question that is simple, direct and has a clear answer can be very helpful. It is important to note that the question also foreshadows the type of paper it is. For example, a “how” question usually suggests a process or something developing over time, sometimes with longitudinal study or time series study (Van de Ven, 2007). A “why” question may suggest something exploratory, and not yet well understood. A “what” question often represents a causal, variance (hypothesis testing) study (Van de Ven, 2007). A notable example of this approach can be found in the introduction section of the paper by Meyer et al. (2009) in Strategic Management Journal. In that widely cited article, Meyer and colleagues’ posed a research question in the opening sentence (2009, p. 61): “What determines foreign market entry strategies?” This immediately indicates that the paper will identify and hypothesize the factors influencing various internationalization strategies for firms. It should be noted that Meyer et al. (2009) did not write that they would “explore” or “examine” firm internationalization, which would be too broadly stated, especially in a fairly well-developed topical area such as firm internationalization (Christensen and Carlile, 2009). “Examine,” “explore” and “reflect are common we in many manuscripts of providing a focused question that will direct the paper’s research question represents an important that clearly the paper’s focus and to its position in the past research. 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The work by Meyer et al. (2009) is particularly as it a at the of its introduction (2009, p. to several not of its papers we have reviewed or do not terms or which their perceived value to the field. 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